Pruning a bird of paradise - Ask Extension
Can I prune this tallest leaf on the left? We have lots of strong young growth, and this one is overtaking the room. I assume I would prune it as lo...
Knowledgebase
Pruning a bird of paradise #892870
Asked February 20, 2025, 10:26 AM EST
Can I prune this tallest leaf on the left? We have lots of strong young growth, and this one is overtaking the room. I assume I would prune it as low as I could?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Apparently there are more than one variety of this plant. We do not have any pruning information in our data base. I would suggest you try contacting the place where you purchased it and see if they have recommendations. You also could try the University of Florida's web page. Otherwise, I personally would trim that stem down to the main stem. Your plant seems to be very happy in you r home .Here is what I found on this plant:
09
09
The giant Strelitzia nicolai grows tall
This elegant, white-flowered-bird-of-paradise can grow to 30 feet, so if
you’re looking for a manageable house plant, this one may not be the
best choice. Its stems grow outwards to widths between six and 10 feet
and its leaves are between five and eight-feet-long. The S. nicolai is a moderate grower, meaning it will grow between 13 and 24 inches per year.